Timber-framed 3000m2 open-plan office building for the British Geological Survey at Keyworth, Nottinghamshire

The office block takes the form of two three-storey rectilinear wings arranged in an ‘L’ formation with a quarter hemisphere atrium at the knuckle, clad in curving ETFE pillows. The atrium encloses curving stairs leading from open balconies at each floor level down to ground level.

The two wings - open plan with a few cellular offices - have stairs and cleaning facilities in a narrow block across each end, with lavatories and kitchens at the inside corner of the north block.

The contract called for a successful post-construction BREEAM review. Green aspirations meant measures such as sheep’s wool insulation, rainwater harvesting, low-energy TermoDeck HVAC and visibly natural and weathering materials such as terracotta, copper, timber and as this is a major centre for the study of geology, stone.